Aids and Adaptations

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy regarding the circumstances in which he exercises his default powers against a local authority which is delaying the provision of aids and adaptations under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act.

Each case is considered on its merits. Where there is prima facie evidence that an authority may be in breach of its duty under section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, inquiries are pursued and we then consider, in the light of those inquiries, whether there are grounds for making an order under section 36 of the National Assistance Act 1948 declaring the authority to be in default.